The Turkish drama industry took center stage at Turkish Drama Days, held on November 14-15 at Kadir Has University. Organized by the Popular Culture and Arts Association in collaboration with Episode Magazine, and supported by the General Directorate of Cinema, this event brought together industry professionals and future creatives.
Turkish Drama Days featured creators, screenwriters, producers, and actors behind series that captivate audiences in Türkiye and around the globe. Highlighting the globalized face and future of the drama industry, Turkish Drama Days served as a comprehensive platform for insightful discussions.
Intense Production Processes and Challenges
Throughout the Turkish Drama Days, the creative minds behind the success of Turkish dramas shared their processes and industry insights with participants. The opening session featured The Cost of Lies‘ Creative Producer Mehmet Ada Öztekin and actor Sarp Akkaya. The panel explored the creation process and characters of the hit series while also addressing the intense production schedules and long working hours that define Turkish dramas. This unique working model, unparalleled anywhere else in the world, was a focal point of discussion.
Actors emphasized that acting in dramas is not merely a form of entertainment but also a craft that demands great effort and a strong sense of responsibility. They highlighted the obligation to strive for excellence in every aspect of their work, as is the case in any profession.
The importance of focusing on real stories in Turkish dramas and adapting these narratives to achieve universal appeal was among the key topics frequently discussed during the event.
The Importance of Creativity and Characters
Renowned Turkish screenwriters Ayfer Tunç and Sema Ergenekon shared their candid insights into the process of crafting stories and characters during a panel discussion. The session offered attendees a unique opportunity to delve into the creative world of Turkish dramas. The panel also addressed the challenges posed by the extended runtimes of Turkish series and their impact on creative teams. Despite these difficulties, the discussion underscored the importance of continuous growth and adaptation in screenwriting.
This inspiring panel provided young writers with fresh perspectives on storytelling and the art of screenwriting, offering valuable insights into the creative process.
“A New Era in Comedy” Panel
Prominent figures in Turkish comedy, Volkan Öge and Kerem Özdoğan, explored the evolution of Turkish humor from past to present and the challenges of producing comedy in today’s world. Key topics included the role of digital platforms in shaping creativity and the creative freedoms these platforms offer.
The panel also featured an in-depth discussion on the impact of social media and cancel culture on the creative process, shedding light on how these dynamics influence modern comedy production.
Marketing and International Success
BluTV’s CMO, Merve Naz Atmaca Özdurak, led a marketing workshop that provided a detailed analysis of how series can be effectively marketed to diverse audiences. The session also focused on how platforms can develop more impactful strategies by analyzing user habits and behaviors.
This workshop offered young communication professionals fresh perspectives on the world of marketing, equipping them with valuable insights into strategic planning and audience engagement.
The international success of Turkish dramas was another key topic at the Turkish Drama Days. Industry leaders Ekin Koyuncu Karaman (OGM UNIVERSE), Hasret Özcan (Inter Medya), and Müge Akar (ATV Distribution) shared the stories behind Türkiye’s position among the top three global exporters of TV dramas.
They highlighted how the strong emotional narratives and compelling storylines of Turkish series resonate deeply with audiences, particularly in regions such as the Mediterranean and Latin America, where these dramas have garnered significant interest and popularity.
An Event Inspiring to Young Talents
Turkish Drama Days concluded as a unique event where young talents had the opportunity to ask questions about the industry, gain inspiration from professionals, and acquire a unique perspective on the creative processes involved in television production. All speakers shared hopeful messages about the future of the Turkish drama industry, offering guidance and encouragement to young creatives embarking on their journey to find their place in the sector.
By providing a comprehensive platform for discussions on the future of the Turkish drama industry and its globalization trends, Turkish Drama Days earned the appreciation of both industry professionals and Turkish drama enthusiasts.
